car seat position

I was in a car accident with my ds in the car last week. The passenger doors were hit, thank god he wasn't hurt. I just purchased a jeep liberty and I was looking up how to install the car seat. I really wanted to put the seat in the center of the jeep but the latches are on either the passenger or driver side. It states that if I want it in the middle to use the seat belt only. I'm looking for opinions on to what is safer to do, use the latch or the seatbelt and put him in the center. Thanks

Re: car seat position

What year is it? I have a 2010 liberty and DD is in the middle with latch.


ETA: Glad he wasn't hurt in the accident!

Message edited 2/21/2012 12:00:31 PM.

Re: car seat position

thank you .. its a 2012 sport

Re: car seat position

First off, thank goodness you and DC weren't hurt!

Second - you should be getting a new seat after any accident. Your insurance will cover it, so make sure you ask them about it. In the meantime, please don't use the same seat that was in the car when you had the accident

Third - latch or seatbelt installation doesn't matter; they are both equally safe if installed correctly. The difference is that Latch makes it easier, but if you do the seatbelt installation correctly, it's just as safe.

We have DS' carseat installed in the middle rear facing with the seat belt.

Re: car seat position

Jeep used to allow for borrowing the anchors in the center in the Liberty if your carseat allows for non standard spacing. It sounds like they have changed this, as indicated in your manual. A proper installation is key, LATCH is no safer than a seatbelt install. It's also important to note that lower anchors need to stop being used and the seat installed with a seatbelt once the child reaches the max allowed by the vehicle or seat manufacturer (usually 40 or 48lbs) If you're more comfortable with getting a good install with LATCH, then put DC outboard.

Glad that you're all OK from the accident, just a reminder that the carseat(s) involved in the crash would need to also be replaced.

Re: car seat position

Posted by LoveyQ

First off, thank goodness you and DC weren't hurt!

Second - you should be getting a new seat after any accident. Your insurance will cover it, so make sure you ask them about it. In the meantime, please don't use the same seat that was in the car when you had the accident

Third - latch or seatbelt installation doesn't matter; they are both equally safe if installed correctly. The difference is that Latch makes it easier, but if you do the seatbelt installation correctly, it's just as safe.

We have DS' carseat installed in the middle rear facing with the seat belt.